[Page] [Page] Warning for SERVANTS: And a CAUTION to PROTESTANTS. Or, the CASE of Margret Clark, Lately Executed for FIRING her Masters HOUSE in SOƲTHWARK.

Faithfully Relating The manner (as she affirmed to the last moment of her life) how she was drawn in to that wicked act; set forth under her own hand after Condemnation.

Her Penitent Behaviour in PRISON.

Her Christian Advice to Visiters, Discourses with several Ministers, and last words at Execution.

Impartially published, with the Attestations of persons of Worth, and many substantial Eye and Ear witnesses, whose Names are inserted in this Narrative.

LONDON: Printed for Tho. Parkhurst, at the Bible and three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers Chappel; and are to be sold by Joseph Collier at the Bible on London-bridg, under the Gate. 1680.

To the READER.

THE Ends of publishing this Re­lation are no other than truly to state matter of fact concerning this poor Maid, whose unhappy Tragedy has occasioned so many various re­ports both in City and Countrey; To cauti­on all others, and particularly those of her condition, as servants, &c. to beware of heark­ning to any the like destructive insinuations, suggested either immediately by Satan, or me­diately by any of his Popish Imps; but still more especially to promote the glory of God, in recording how he was graciously pleased both to blast or frustrate by signal Providence the mischievous design she was engag'd in; and also to turn the same by his infinite wis­dom, into the greatest and most unspeakable good for her soul, as in the judgment of cha­rity from her words and deportment we are bound to hope.

Needs must he be a stranger in our Israel, [Page] nay indeed a Rebel to Reason, and Renegado from common sense, that is not sensible of the restless accursed endeavours of Papists to ru­ine these Nations, and especially this famous City and all its Suburbs; their Fire-works in Sixty-six we hope will never be forgot; nor yet their practises afterward, when so great a part of the Burrough of Southwark, after several defeated attempts, was at last laid in Ashes by the Hellish industry of Grove and his Irish Ruffians, How often have they since carried on the like practices in several parts of the Town? How frequently endeavoured to debauch servants, and with promises of large sums of money tempt them to set fire to their Masters houses, or give their Instruments opportunity to do it; especially in such pla­ces where by reason of the old close buildings, or variety of combustible matter, the great­est mischief was like to ensue? Whence so many attempts have been made on Smithfield, the back-side of St. Clements, this very place of Pepper-Alley, &c.

We mention this to shew that 'tis nothing new nor infrequent, for these Enginiers of mischief to be concerned in such practises and [Page] temptations; yet so subtil and politick they are for the most part to make use of others to execute the Villanies of this kind which they themselves contrive, to the end that if it be discovered, whilst the immediate Agents are enquired after, and under examination, they that set them on may have better op­portunities to escape; or if apprehended, yet the Transactions being private, Confidence shall out-face Truth; and for want of proof, not guilt, they may avoid the stroke of Ju­stice: For our merciful English Laws (far different from the Tyranny of a Popish In­quisiton) allow of no Racks nor Tortures to extort Confessions. Nor will our Protestant Courts of Justice condemn any upon surmise, without legàl evidence of the Fact.

Whether there were any such Temptations used to this Maid, as she alledged, we shall not undertake to determine, having nothing to justifie it but her Asseverations, which have only this confirmation, That as they were con­stant, so they were pronounced with her last breath, and sealed with her death. And certainly those people who are so importunate with us to believe dying mens words against [Page] evident proof, will allow us not altogether to contemn those of a dying woman, in a matter doubtful at least, if we may not say attended with some suspitious probabilities. And indeed so much was she the rather to be credited than they, because she pretended to no cause that might improve a lye into merit; was furnisht with no Absolution or Dispensa­tion that might lay Conscience to sleep, nor had any hopes to scour off the falshood by any slight purging Flames in the other world. And as it cannot well be imagined, That she who durst not tell a Lye to respite punish­ment, or to save her own Life, should yet without any hopes of advantage persist in a false Accusation of another whom she could have no malice against; so 'tis wonderful to conceive, if she continued guilty of such wickedness, how she should be so joyfully supported with Courage against the terrors of death, and pray and discourse so heartily and affectionately as she was observed to do.

As for the truth of what is herein related, both touching her Behaviour and Expressions, the same is attested and confirmed by a great number of persons of Credit beyond any ex­ception. [Page] The Original of her Confession or Protestation here set forth, remains under her own hand in the custody of that honourable and worthy Gentleman Sir Robert Hatton, Knight, High Sheriff of the County of Sur­rey; and indeed, all that multitude that ei­ther visited her in prison, or was present at her death, can in a great measure bear wit­ness to the reality of this Narrative.

This poor Creature has paid her debts to Justice in this world, and is now gone be­fore an All-seeing Judg, who in due time will reward every one according to his Works.

We have intituled the Relation, A Warn­ing for Servants, as hoping this her sad Exam­ple may caution all those of that condition who shall read or hear it, to abominate and a­void, as they love their lives, such wicked practises, and not to be inveigled by any fair words or great promises to be aiding or abet­ting thereunto.

This detestable offence of malicious clan­destine House-burning, contains in it self a complication of several most heinous Crimes, being contrary to all Laws divine and humane, against common Faith and Honesty, and de­structive [Page] of Humane Society; Injustice, Trea­chery, Fraud, Violence, Cruelty, and Robbery, all join in it, and Murder of the Innocent of­tentimes attend it, by surprize, accidents, or grievous frights. Nor can the mischiefs (espe­cially in populous places) be so particularly limited, but that it may prove general: for when the destroying Element is once prevail­ing, who knows where it may stop? But above all, these Hellish Conspirators who lie in wait to cause or promote Calamities without any provocation, and make it their business to do all the mischiefs they are able, and depopulate whole Cities if they can, thinking it merit and a part of Religion to ruin by any means those they call Hereticks, that so they may advance their own designs, and establish their Romish Idolatry and Tyranny, These of all other In­cendiaries are the most pernicious and dan­gerous, the most diligently to be watcht and enquired into, and the most severely to be punished.

May the God of our Salvation, who hath hither to defended us with an outstreched Arm, discover all such Treacherous Sons of Belial▪ and ever pre­serve the Protestant Religion and its sincere pro­fessors, from the Cruel Machinations of Jesuitical Traytors and all their Instruments and /Abettors. Amen.

THE PENITENT INCENDIARY: OR, An Impartial and Exact NARRATIVE of the Crime, Confession, and Behaviour of Margaret Clark, &c.

MARGARET CLARK (the unhappy subject of this Narrative) was born (as we are cre­dibly inform'd) at Croydon in the County of Surrey, of honest though but mean Parentage. Somewhat above a Quarter of a year before this mischie­vous Contrivance she had become a Servant to Mr. Delanoy, a worthy substantial Person in Southwark, by Profession a Dyer, where she behaved her self so fairly, that they had no suspicion of her, but very much intrusted her in their House, whereupon she might have had sufficient opportu­nities to have done them considerable Dammage in that kind, without taking the desperate course of Firing their House, which must in all probability have occasion'd a ge­neral ruine to most of the Neighbourhood: She seem'd to be a Wench of a competent understanding, rather above than below what could be expected from her Education and Circumstances, of a free familiar humour; which possi­bly might give some occasion to that Temptation, which (as she stedfastly alledged) was put upon her.

But because we would render this Narrative as plain and perspicuous as may be, and yet affirm nothing but what is certainly and notoriously true, as to matter of Fact; and [Page 2] for that the Relation of the Intrigue, and means used to draw her into this Business, depends chiefly on the account given by her self, which can challenge no further Credit than what it may derive from Probabilities, violent Pre­sumptions, and her constant and dying Asseverations; we shall first state the matter as it happen'd.

The before mentioned Mr. Delanoy having a Country­house at Lee in Kent, was wont frequently to retire thither; with the greatest part of his Family; and particularly was gone thither (whereof most probably the original Con­trivers might have obtain'd some notice before they at­tempted the Maid) when this horrid attempt was made, which was on Sunday the first day of February, there being none left then at home in Southwark, belonging to him, but this Maid and one young Man. Now so it was, That on the said Lords-day at Night, about Eleven of the Clock, some of the Neighbours perceiving an extraordinary smell of fire, and being there at much affrighted, mischiefs of that kind having for divers years past been so over-frequent, and particularly the best part of that eminent Burrough having not long since been reduced to Ashes, and that by treacherous Contrivance of the Jesuits and Papists, as hath been satisfactorily proved; They thereupon began to look out, to observe whence this terrible smell proceeded, and finding it to come from Mr. Delanoy's House, and knowing the Master and Mistress, &c. to be out of Town, one John Parret knockt at the Door, and Margaret Clark let him in the House was found to be on fire in three distinct and se­veral places; That is to say, first just by the Pump (which 'tis rationally supposed was purposely done by the subtle Contrivers, to hinder getting of water to quench it) next in two several places in the Buttery, (near which was some hundreds of Faggots,) which was much furnish'd with wooden Conveniences, and things easily combustible, [Page 3] and also in the Garret, where there was great a quantity of wood and old Lumber laid together and set on fire; all which confirming them in an Opinion that it must be done purposely and by design, and observing this Margaret Clark come and let them in, having set her own Box in the Par­lour, which at first she told them was her Masters, pre­tending she was endeavouring to preserve it; but provi­dentially a Smith being present, who but the day before had mended it for her, knew it to be her own, and so had greater reason to believe she had some hand in the Trea­chery; they thereupon entertained a strong suspicion of her; but good store of help coming in, and the several fires not yet being grown to a masterless head, they with little pains and the blessing of God on their Endeavours, made shift to subdue and extinguish them all, without any great difficulty or dammage. The danger being pretty well over, upon consideration of the Circumstances be­fore-recited, as also the strange confused behaviour of the Maid, they thought fit to take her into Custody, and exa­mination. At first she endeavoured resolutely to deny any privity or knowledge how or by what means this disaster happened, yet her very Looks, amazed Countenance, fal­tering Speech, and strange Behaviour, seem'd to give the Lye to her words, and shew that her Tongue did but in vain strive to falsifie the dictates of her heart. At last, af­ter some Conflict between Confidence and Conscience, the latter prevailed, so that before two or three a Clock on the Munday morning she ingenuously confessed her self to be Accestory in promoting this wicked Design and that she had been seduced and hired to consent unto it for a great sum of money promised to be paid her for this hellish ser­vice: Being Examined who it was that had put her upon it, she declared she could not tell his name, but only that it was a Gentleman, of whose Person, Stature, Complexi­on, [Page 4] Habit, &c. she gave a very particular description, withall declaring the manner of his addressing himself to her, and the several importunities and inducements he used to prevail with her, just in the same Method and Order as herein after is set forth, (for we will not clog this brief Narrative with needless repetition.) And most observable it is, That from this her first Confession she did not after­wards, either in Prison before her Trial, nor after her Con­demnation to the minute of her death, in the least make any variation. But as she first set it forth upon Oath before Justice Reading and Justice Freeman, so she persisted with her last breath to attest the Truth thereof.

This Declaration as she delivered with the greatest seri­ousness and assurance that could be; so after she had made it, though directly tending to her own destruction, as to this World, by acknowledging her self Guilty of a Crime, for which, by the Law, she must certainly suffer Death; her Spirit seem'd more composed, and less troubled, as hav­ing disburthen'd her Conscience, whose secret Torments appear'd more terrible and insupportable to her than Death it self.

This frank ingenuous Confession, did not a little prevail with most that heard her, to believe that there was much of Truth in what she delivered; the rather for that it could not easily be imagined, what other motive besides that of the Temptation of a Bribe, or reward from some ill disposed Persons, should induce her to the Act; for if she had a de­sign to Rob her Master (of which there did not appear any convincing Arguments) she might, however, having such an opportunity of access to all the Rooms in the House, more easily have done it, without this Aggravation of ad­ding the detestable Crime of Firing, to that of a simple Fe­lony; and that she might be so tempted, was more proba­ble, as well because 'tis too apparent that the Jesuits (those [Page 5] grand Incendiaries in all senses) do carry on such mischie­vous designs, and have Actually made use of Persons of her Condition, for that purpose; witness, their engaging Elizabeth Oxley, by the means of Mr. Stubbs, to fire the house of her Master, Mr. Birdan, Attorney in Fetter-Lane April 10th. 1679. Confessed both by her and the said Stubbs; for which upon a Candid discovery of Gifford, the Priest, Molrayn, and others, that put them upon it (and who fled for the same) they obtain'd their Pardon: As also for that there was no place about the whole Town, where a Fire could probably do more mischief: Mr. Delanoys House being scituate near Pepper Alley, on the backside of the Bear-Tavern, amongst abundance of old wooden, close Buildings, whence the devouring Flames (had they once got head, especially the House being fired in so many places) would easily have dispers'd themselves round about, and not only the Contiguous Alleys, and Courts, but St. Mary Overies stately Church, and the Houses on the Bridge, &c. would soon in all probability have been sacrificed in a gene­ral Devastation.

These and the like were Arguments, at least to caution the Neighbouring Inhabitants to a most diligent inquisition and vigilancy to find out, if they could possibly, the Person or Persons that might instigate this Maid herein; and ac­cordingly, several suspicious people were taken, and brought to her, whom she not knowing, honestly acquitted; but about nine, or ten of the Clock on the next day (being Munday) in the Fore-noon, a Gentleman came in all alone into the Bear-Tavern, at the Bridge foot, and called for a Pinte of Port, where sitting by himself, the people of the House observed him to be much in disorder, and Confusi­on of mind, as they apprehended; he seeming to matter something to himself, and tearing into small pieces certain papers that he had about him. But especially (having 'tis [Page 6] probable) heard what kind of man Margaret Clark had de­scribed the Person to be, that had so Corrupted her, they fancyed that the same agreed (as indeed it did in a great measure) with this Gentleman, and therefore upon all these presumptions, resolved to apprehend him upon suspicion, that he might give an account of himself before a Magistrate which was done accordingly: And as she had presently dis­charged others that had been taken and brought to her, and they particularly askt, Is this be, or, is this he, still she replying, no; whereupon they were set at Liberty: So on the contrary, as soon as ever this Person entred the Room, and she had cast her Eye upon him, in a seeming ex­tasre, or transport mixt with rage, and joy, she Cry'd out, O'Lard, that's the Man, that's the man, this is the man: repeating those words several times with the greatest ear­nestness in the world, lifting up her hands towards Heaven; whereupon the Justices demanded—Are you sure this is the man? may you not be mistaken? To which she answered, I am sure this is He, and I am not mistaken. Then was he taken into Examination, who ('tis said, with many Oaths, and Execrations) denyed that he had ever seen her in his Life before (thought 'tis credibly reported some Persons since affirmed they would prove that he had been seen with her, nay to go into Mr. Delanoy's House, some few dayes before.) And being question'd what he was, and where he lived; he gave the Justices an account, that his name was John Satterwait, and that he belonged to his Royal Highness the Duke of Yorks Guard, under the Command of the Earl of Feversham, and that his Lodging was near St. Giles: The Justices proceeding to enquire, where he was, and how he spent the Sunday, and where he was all Sunday-Night. He answered, he was in Bed all day; but upon their insisting on an account, where he was in the Evening, and how he spent all the Night; he then trembled, and [Page 7] began to falter in his speech, saying, I am sur­priz'd, and distracted, and know not what to say, (which ap­peared a very odd behaviour to the Justices, that a Gentle­man of his Education, and Profession, should be so astonisht that he could not remember, or set forth where he was but the very Night before; but his witnesses at his Try at had much better memories, and gave a punctual account there­of) upon the Justices examining him, what business brought him that morning to the Bear-Tavern at the Bridge-foot where he was apprehended, He said, that he came to meet one Mrs. Hummerston, who lodged next door to him, up­on which the Justices ordered some persons to attend at the Bear and observe if any Person enquired for Mr. Sat­terwaits; and soon after a Gentle-Woman did come thither and ask, for him, who being carried before the Justices, and examined apart, did declare her name to be Hummer­ston, and that she came at Mr. Satterwaits Invitation so far to eat a Barrel of Oysters; and there being nothing that seemed to affect her further in this business, she was dis­charged: But Margaret Clark persisted in her Accusation of Mr. Satterwait, and charged him upon her Oath, to be the very Person that (with her privity and consent) did Fire her masters House in all the three several places, as a­foresaid; setting forth how he first came to her, as she was standing at her Masters door, on that day was Se'nnight viz. the 26th of January last, and askt her if she lived in that House, who answering Affirmatively, he then inquir­ed if her Master and Mistress were within, and she replying no, they were in the Country, he desired to speak with her about business that might be of great advantage to her; but being wholly a stranger she slighted his discourse and they proceeded no further that day, but soon after he came to her again, inveigled her to go drink, which she did at a certain Ale-house in an Alley (the Sign or name of which [Page 8] she could not tell, but declared she was confident she could find and know it again, if she might have had the Liberty to go to look it out;) that there with two other Persons, they drank four Tankards of Ale, who made an agreement with her, to give her two thousand Pounds if she would assist in firing her Masters house; that they had resolved not to fire it till Munday Night Febr. 2. But she understanding her Master and Mistress would then be returned out of the Countrey, and seeing (as she said) this Mr. Satterwait again on the Saturday, they concluded Sunday night more conve­nient; that she let him in about four a Clock in the After­noon on Sunday, hid him in the Dye-house, perswaded the young man of the House to go to bed by eight of the Clock, and then having all things in readiness, about ten a Clock, he kindled the Fires, &c. As herein after in her Narrative, given under her hand, after her Condemnation; is more particularly, and fully set forth.

In fine, after a large, and diligent Examination upon her Confession against her self, and charge upon Oath a­gainst Mr. Satterwait; they were both Committed to the Marshalsea, with strict charge that they should be kept a­part: As Mr. Satterwait was carrying to Prison, there be­ing a vast Tumult, or Crowd of people; the Justices gave a particular charge that no Violence should be offered, or hurt done to his Person, yet the Multitude being fill'd with Indignation against that insufferable, and destructive Crime, whereof they then imagined him to be guilty, could not forbear expressing their detestation against such practices—Crying out, hang him, knock him on the head, stoning is too good for him, &c. At which Mr. Satterwait seemed much concern'd and apprehensive that they would have done him some present harm, though indeed none did med­dle with him further than in words, and in this Conster­nation and affirightment he was often heard by those that [Page 9] conducted him, to cry out by way of Prayer, or sudden Ejaculation, Sancta Maria! Jesu Maria and sometimes Jesu, Maria, repeating those words very frequently, and with much earnestness, and then reflecting upon the Crowd, and the harsh Sentences they were pleased to be­stow upon him, he would say, Sancta Maria! are these Christians? Sancta Maria! are these Christians and Pro­testants? Pagans, Pagans, &c. His using these words confirmed many in their Opinion that he was a Papist, (but he denies it, and sure a man may be allowed to know or chuse his own Religion) insomuch that for satisfaction in the point, a Reverend Divine going to visit him in Prison, amongst other Discourses happening to ask him, how he came so vehemently to call upon the Virgin Mary, adding further, that he believed that blessed Saint did not hear him: Mr. Satterwait to this only answered, he remem­bred not that he used such words, but if he did, he did not know the meaning of them: To which the Divine reply­ed, That that was something unlikely, considering his Pa­rents had given him such liberal Education.

As to the Deportment of Margaret Clark, it is well known to all that visited her, and all the Officers and Keepers belonging to the Goal, That she carryed her self all along during the whole time of her Confinement, which was seven weeks, very civilly and penitently, every day weeping abundantly, often sending for Ministers to come to her, to whom she would most freely and affectionately express her self, much bewailing her sins, especially her great wickedness in complying with such temptations, and consenting to the wicked act for which she was com­mitted.

On the 13th of March 1679/80, both the said Margaret Clark and Mr. Satterwait were brought to their Trial at Kingston upon Thames, where the Assizes for the County [Page 10] of Surrey were then held: They were both Arraigned up­on one and the same Indictment, for the wicked and fello­nious entring into and setting on fire the House and Dye­house of the said Mr. Peter Delanoy: Against the Maid there were Witnesses that proved the Fire, and her own Confession that she was privy and consenting to it, which (though she pleaded Not Guilty for Form's sake, yet) she did not deny at Bar but only alledged that she was so put upon it by her Fellow Prisoner but being charged in the same Indictment all she said was insignificant and not to be regarded in Law as any Evidence against him. And for other proof the same was likewise altogether insufficient: One Woman swore she had often seen him in Southwark, and particularly on Thursday before the Fire broke out, but could not say she either saw him in Delanoy's House, or in Company with his Maid: The other deposed that she saw a man in a Red Coat go into Mr. Delanoy's House on the Sunday, but would not swear that the Prisoner was the person. On the other side, Mr. Satterwait had several Witnesses, as his Mother and Uncle, to prove he was edu­cated in the Protestant Religion, a Certificate that he had received the Sacrament, and taken the Oaths of Allegi­ance, Supremacy, and Test; Four or five of the Guard to prove that he was at whitehall on Thursday, Jan. 29. and at 3 a Clock went with them to the One Tun Tavern in St. Martins Lane where he staid till three of the Clock on Fryday morning, January the 30th. And from thence never out of their Company till two of the Clock in the Afternoon: At which time he came to a House in Vine-Street, where he slept 'till Eight a Clock, and then came to his Mother's, and went to Bed, not rising 'till Nine of the Clock on Saturday Morning, Jan. 31. and then went to the Guard till Three a Clock in the After­noon, then was at the Cock and Bottle in Covent-Garden [Page 11] till Nine at night, lay at the Swan Inn in [...] street, Sa­turday night, and rose not out of [...] till Sunday After­noon, nor stirred out all day till Ten at night: Then his Mother and her Lodger [...] he came to her House about half an hour past Ten on Sunday Night and lay there till Nine Monday morning, There Mrs. Hu [...]er­ston to prove that she sent a Maid to let him know she was going into Southwark, and received Answer from him, that he would presently meet her at the Both at the Bridge Foot, &c. In fine upon the whole [...] the Jury brought in the said Margaret Clark Guilty [...] the [...], and Mr. Satterwait Not Guilty. These par;ticulars attested by the said Mr. Satterwait's Friends on his behalf we have taken out of a printed Sheet, said [...] Title [...] writ­ten with his own hand, wherein the [...] is very [...]ly set forth, as 'tis like it was drawn up, that he might the better call them in order: In which Sheet there yet seems to be at least one very great and unhappy mistake, for, p. 2. Mr. Satterwait says positively of himself, That he was CONVICTED: And many people do also think that another mistake, p. 3. where he says, that the Maid at her Tryal denyed impudently what she had before confes­sed, as to her self, but stood firmly to her first principles as to his particular. For besides, that they could not ob­serve any such Denial, (unless it be meant in the forma­lity of pleading not guilty) they cannot comprehend how she would stand to her first Principles of charging him, but at the same time, she must needs own her self con­cern'd in it.

And indeed, she seemed so far from any Impudence that there appeared a very great awe, and Reverence up­on her Spirit, not willingly to Commit any Sin; where­of she gave a very Signal Example, of which several of us were Eye and Ear-witnesses, viz. After Mr. Satterwait [Page 12] was acquitted, and the Convicted, the several Prisoners that were Cast, being call'd to the Bar, and askt what they had to alledge why sentence of Death, and Execution should not pass upon them according to the Law: Amongst them, there was a Woman that was Convicted of Wilful Mur­ther, who pleading she was with Child, saved her Life till the next Assizes: But Margaret Clark, though she saw this Example before her Eyes, and was perswaded by many per­sons to Plead the same thing, she knowing her condition not to be truly such, refused it with Detestation, saying, Oh! Shall I add another sin to my great wickedness? how shall I then expect a Pardon from God? I would not do it for all the World, I dare not tell a Lie to save my Life; And so with great submission received the terrible sentence of death, on Tuesday the 16th of March.

Some Observations of her Carriage, and Godly discourses after Condemnati­on,

ON wednesday, a Minister gave her a Visit, and found her in a very gracious frame of Spirit, blessing and praising God, that he had been so good to her Soul, in af­fording her so long a time for Repentance, but especially that he had given her the Grace of Repentance; then there came in a great company of young people to see her, to whom she addressed her self in this manner. Oh! have a care, you that are Young, and are Servants, take warning by me; I hope you do not come here only to look upon me as a sight, but pray make a good use of my downfall; Oh take warning by my sad Example; pray get some good to your selves by my Sin, and shameful Death. One of the Company saying, I am sorry to see you in this Condition. (She Replyed,) ‘You may be sorry for my Body, and I thank you; but my Condition, I hope, is very good; you have no cause to be sorrowful for me; because God hath turned it to my great good: Though I am sorrowful, and much troubled for my Sin; yet, now I rejoyce in God, even in my Lord Jesus Christ.’ Then one told her, that he hoped she would have a Pardon; for the Sheriff was much affected at her penitent Condition, and pitied her. She Answered, ‘I have no hope of that, neither indeed do I desire it, I am’ [Page 14] ‘in so good hopes, that God hath pardoned my Sins; I am quite weaned from the World▪ Nay, I am sure I am carried forth at some times, even beyond my own strength: God hath heard, and answered me, blessed be his Name. I Love the Lord, because he hath heard the Voice of my Supplication; he hath redeemed me from the lowest Hell: His praise now, while I am here this little time, shall continually be in my Mouth, Oh how I hope I shall be thus full of Comfort, when I come to the place of Execu­tion!’ To which, one Answered, The Lord continue it. One askt her, if the sight of the Rope, the Gallows, and Executioner, would not be terrible to her, when the Cart stands still, and the Sheriffs men should be all about her, with a great number of spectators beholding her shameful Death. She answered ‘I have considered all this, and I think it will not fright me, It will not trouble me, I re­joyce in what Christ hath suffered, and I hope to be sav­ed by him, and him alone, his free Grace, and that pro­mise, Come unto me all ye that are weary, and heavy laden, and I will give you rest; is a great Comfort to my Soul.’ Upon which, a Friend askt her, Are you burdened with sin, are you heavy Laden? She Answered, ‘Yes, I am, and am one of those that Jesus Christ calls to come unto him:’ And then she lifted up her Hands, and Eyes, and said, ‘Lord! Refuse not to give mercy to a poor Sinner, I wholly rest upon the Lord Jesus Christ, I am resolved to lie at his Feet. I will go in to the King: if I Perish, I will perish there.’

One said to her, what a great mercy God hath vouchsafed you, in giving you so long a Time of Repentance, and that he did not Cut you off in the Act. She replyed—‘Oh! it is a great mercy in­deed! I am sensible of it▪ I bless the Lord for it, and hope God will enable me to spend these few’ [Page 15] ‘hours I have to live to his Glory, and my Ever­lasting good, through this Affliction God hath brought me back, when I was Running Astray. I acknowledge my self unworthy, I am the most un­worthy of all Gods Creatures.’

At another time one said—Oh it is pitty that this man should escape, that brought you to this: To which she answered ‘Though he hath brought me to this, I wish him no more hurt than my own Soul. I did indeed desire to speak with him, Since he hath been acquitted, before he went to London; but he would not speak with me;’ whereupon one said, why, what would you have said to him? She an­swered, ‘Truly, nothing but Love to his Soul, I would have warned him not to undo any more, as he hath undone me: For I believe I am not the first, and am afraid I shall not be the last. I am a­fraid he had a hand in tempting those other Maids in London.

One telling her That he had heard many strange Reports of her, and how that Mr. Satterwait had hinted in his Paper, that she had been unjust to se­veral of her late Masters. She replyed. ‘As to those Reports that go of me, many of them which I hear of are false, but I have not time, neither do I think it fit to vindicate my self from them, for I have a great work to do, and have but a very little time to do it in.’

A day or two before her Execution, she being desir­ed to give a sincere and punctual Account, how she came first engaged in this matter, and of all Transactions be­tween [Page 16] them she delivered her self as follows, her words being taken from her Mouth in short hand, and when written out, read unto her, who then likewise affirmed the same to be True, and in Testimony thereof did Sign the same with her own hand, in the presence of divers witnesses: a true Copy, whereof we have here inserted.

A True Copy of a Paper signed by Mar­gret Clark after her Condemnation: The Original whereof remains in the Custody of the Right Worshipful Sir Robert Hatton, High Sheriff of the County of Surrey.

I Margret Clark being shortly to suffer Death for that which I have deserved, and am much humbled for, and desire to lye low before God under the sense of my own Guilt, do give the World an Account of the truth of my Case, for I would not be guilty of a Lye now I am to appear before my Judg within a few minutes. There­fore I do say, and shall declare the Truth of the mat­ter, as I shall answer it before my Lord and Judge.

Upon the 26th of January, John Satterthwait came to me as I was going out of my Masters Gate, and did desire me to tell him whether my Master and Mistriss were at home? And I answered him, [Page 18] no; and he told me that he hoped he should have an opportunity to speak with me, for he had something to say, And I answered him, if he had any thing to say, I should be so civil to give him the hearing when I had time (for then I was in haste). Then he came on the next day with the same Request, and I returned the same Answer. Then he Third time; being Wednesday, he came again, and used great, Im­portunity, and expressed some kindnesses, as if he had been a Suitor, and prevailed with me to go into the Borrough with him to an Alehouse, where were two Men more of his company; and after some little time of discourse, he propounded to me this wicked and horrid Design which I was to have been ingaged in with them, that is, to let them into my Masters House to set it on Fire; and for a Reward, they pro­mised me Two thousand pounds, which Sum I was to receive at the Fleece, Tavern in Holborn, inquiring for a Rom in the said Tavern, called the Figure Nine. Then coming out of the Alehouse, they would f [...]n have had me away with them, saying, Come let us take Coach, and go into Fleetstreet, for, said they, there we have a Priest of ours, who Lodges at a Grocers, that shall Confess you, and give you the Sacrament; I told him I could not possibly go then. So this John Satterthwait went homewards with meal­most to my Masters Oate; and as we went along, he charged me that I should not divulge it to any per­son in the world living; for if I did, I should cer­tainly dye for it (and that quickly) in this world, and be damn'd in other.

[Page 19] Then he came on the next day, and gave me the same charge to keep it secret.

And then on Saturday he came and inquired of me the best time that he might come to do this most horrid and devillish Action, saying, Would not four or five of the clock be a good time? And I said Yes.

Accordingly he came, and conveyed himself into the Dye-house, or thereabouts, while Nine or Ten of the Clock that Evening, about which time the Fire was discovered.

Whereupon with the fear and dread he had put upon me, I did deny it to the company that came in to quench it; but after that, he was there, whom I saw amongst the rest of the company; but I had much horrour upon my Conscience; and after some short time I confest the whole Crime for which I now dye. And my Examination before Justice Reading, and Justice Freeman, was all true.

And this I affirm, and do desire all Protestants to believe, that John Satterthwait kindled those three Fires in my Masters House. First in the Dye-house by the Pump; secondly in the Buttery; and third­ly in the Garret, which last Fire he kindled whilest the People were putting out the other.

And I do declare in the words of a dying Maid, that I was under great trouble of Conscience, and was many times about discovering it, but could not; Satans Temptations, and the wickedness of my own heart did so much prevail with me.

[Page 20] Oh that covetous design of gaining the Moneys, was that which I desire all who read these Lines which I have writ, to beware of; I saw him a­mong the People in the House very busie, and I made signs at him, to discover him; but the people being in a great hurry, did not mind the things I then said to them.

I do also think in my conscience, that if my Ma­ster had examined me, I should have declared the whole matter, for I gave out often suspicious words of my fear of Fire; and on the Friday before this happened, I went out to a friends house, and there I was so afflicted and troubled in my mind, that they took notice of it; and one that went with me thither was importunate with me to know the rea­son of my trouble; but the Devil had so subtilly ingag'd my wicked heart, that I could not tell him.

But to pass by my Conviction and Imprisonment, which you have all heard of, and to come to this one thing which fell out in the time of my Confinement in Prison (which I bless God for, rather than that my most Loving and Honoured Master, with I know not how many others, should have suffered by my wicked compliance with that Man).

That which I speak of is this: When I had been about three weeks in Prison, I was then walking in the Yard, having that liberty granted me by the Jaylor, there John Satterthwait look'd out of a Window, and said to me, Are you there? I wish I could come to you, I would spoil your telling of [Page 21] Tales; but I gave him no answer; neither do I desire his hurt or death, but beg of God while I am here in this world, Repentance for him; and oh that God would give him a sense of these his great Sins, both in tempting me, and his designing the ruine of many Thousands of Families; I can say before the Lord, I desire not his Death; it would have been but a poor relief for me to have had him dyed with me: But this I must and will declare before I go hence, and am no more seen, That John Satterth­wait, though he was clear'd by the Jury, was Guilty, as I said before, that is, of making those three Fires, and I only did consent, and let him in.

Now I would not have you to think that I have written this to lessen or excuse my own fault; I deserve Death, nay a worser Death for consenting to so horrid a wickedness, even eternal Death. But now I hope, that through the Merits of Jesus Christ alone, not trusting to my own Works or Pardons from Men (as I fear the Papists do depend upon) to be saved from Eternal Fire; and that I shall be ju­stified freely by his Grace, through the Redemption which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Whereas there is a Report that is gone commonly about, that I had stol'n many of my Masters things, as Plate, &c. I think it fit now I am to dye, to give the World an Account of what I then took; the things which I had then put into my Box, was a little Tape, Lace, and other frivolous things, which [Page 22] now makes me wonder why I then put them up; for I might have put up Jewels and Plate, which was un­der my Charge, to the value of some Hundreds of pounds; but as to the carrying out of a Box which I was met with, it is a most false report, for I was so full of horror and trouble of Conscience, that I did not then think of my Box.

And now I desire all that read these Lines, would consider, and have a great care how they break the Lords Day; for my neglecting thereof, was the first step to my downfall; and I desire this downfall of mine may be a warning to all young Men and Maids; Oh! let them be content with the places that God by his Providence places them in, and not covet after great things (as I have done) and so err from the Rule; and have a care of Pride and a worldly mind; for this I say, Pride and Sabbath-breaking hath been my downfall; and I earnestly beg of you for the Lords sake, and for your Souls sake, to let these Lines, and my bad Example be a warning to you. Alas, I did once enjoy the means of Grace, and have lived in good Families; yea, he against whom I com­mitted this great offence, is a very Worthy good Man; Oh! I did once frequent the Worship of God, and took delight in it, and thought I understood something of the Excellency of Christ, and the worth of my own Soul; but a little before I fell into this Sin, I neglected the Worship of God; and those precious hours upon the Lords day which for­merly I had spent well.

[Page 23] And thus I have fallen foully, and have offended God and Man; and my horrible Sin hath made me a publick spectacle to the world. I pray all whom I have offended in it, for Gods sake to forgive me; and I forgive all men that have offended me, especially I desire to forgive this John Satterthwait, that hath brought me to this untimely and shameful Death, which, I hope, is brought upon me for my good; for surely I have obtained Mercy, and am joyful to think of my going hence; I long to be dissolv'd, and to be with Christ; even so come Lord Jesus, and receive me an unworthy Soul.

[Page] [Page 25] On the Evening of the Sabbath before she was Executed, Justice Freeman (who was of those that took her first Exami­nation as aforesaid) came with many other worthy persons, and did again strictly examine her concerning the truth of what she had charged upon Mr. Satterthwait: To whom she an­swered; ‘Sir, It is all true that I said concerning him, when I was before your Worship upon my first Examination, and what I have said all along, and which I cannot but testifie to the last.’

The Morning before Execution, a Minister very serious­ly discoursed with her about the same business, urging and charging her ingeniously and fully to disburthen her Consci­ence, and if she had been guilty of wronging him by a false Accusation, to confess it, and beg pardon of God, and not mock the All-seeing Majesty, before whose dreadful presence she must so suddenly appear: To which she replyed; Alas! what will it avail me to accuse any one falsly? for as I am condemned, so I certainly expect to suffer the Law, and what Revenge can I take upon him, or hurt do him, for he is acquit­ted by Law; I do freely forgive him for whatsoever he hath done against me, and desire of the Lord to forgive him, and that the Lord would turn his heart; For if God doth not turn it, I am afraid he will be an Instrument of further Mischief.

Minist.

I hope you are not of the same Opinion that the Papists are; It is said of them, that when they have Confessed to a Priest, and taken the Sacrament, they can call the great God to witness, that they are as clear as the Child unborn, and this even when they are most truely and notoriously Guilty.

Then she answered: ‘O Sir, I tremble to think, that people can call the God of Truth to witness to a Lie, as that Per­son has done, God forgive him:’ (speaking in reference to Mr. S's printed Vindication, wherein he solemnly protests his be­ing Innocent of what she accused him, and that he never saw her in his life, till after he was apprehended.

Min.

It is reported that you are of a pilfering humour, and 'tis supposed, that your design to Burn your Masters House, was, that you might have the fairer opportunity of Robbing him, and that you thereby might be the less suspected.

Margaret.
[Page 26]

I cannot help what malicious people throw upon me; For this is nothing but the malice of them against me; I never was guilty of such a thing, neither will my Master De la Noy say it. Sir, I do assure you, that what I speak is true, for I am e're long to go into Eternity, and must ap­pear before the great God, who will judge me for my words and Actions, therefore I dare not tell a Lie; And Sir, if I had had a design to have Robb'd my Master, I had many Op­portunities of doing it, and as likely a way to escape as this: For my Master trusted me with his Plate, and my Mistresses Jewels, all which I might have come at, and made away with them, had I been so disposed, when they were out of Town.

Note, That Mr. De la Noy being since spoken unto about this matter, did declare, that he believed what she said was true: And as to some Tape-lace, and a small Silver Spoon that was found in her Boxe, the same were of no considerable va­lue; and that it was his opinion, she had taken them rather by Accident, or for present use, than with any design to steal or make advantage by selling them, since she might have taken as easily things of far greater worth, which she had not moved nor meddled with.

Though all the time of her Imprisonment, she was very pe­nitently and frequently bewailing her sins, yet did not enjoy (as far as could be perceived) any comfort in her soul, or fense of Pardon and Reconciliation with God through Christ, till after she was Condemn'd; and then she seem'd full of con­solation, and neither to be desirous of longer Life, nor fear­full of Death, spending her time in Prayer and Praises, or godly Discourses and Admonitions to such as Visited her.

Margaret Clarkes Behaviour and Words at her Execution.

FIrst, As she was going into the Cart, she said, ‘This is the Blessedest day to me, God hath turned my great evil to my good: Oh! this is my Wedding-day, I shall’ [Page 27] ‘surely be married to my Saviour; Oh Lord, that ever I should offend so good and gracious a God as Thou art; Oh the Joyes! I long to be at the The Place.’

As soon as the Cart stood still under the Gallows, she look­ed up and said, I am going now to the glory, to the glory which God hath prepared for me; for I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, I cast my Soul in his Arms, Lord, I come unto Thee.

A Gentleman interrupted her, and said, Margaret, What did induce you to This? speak the Truth now, and have a great care of speaking a Lye. She answered and said, John Satter­thwait he's the Man, he's the Man. And it it is all true, what I said of him all along. All that I said of John Satterthwait is all True. No Man but John Satterthwait kindled Those Fires: the Lord Forgive him, he's the man that brought me to This; I do forgive him from my heart. A Gentleman said, How long were you acquainted with him? She said, He came to me every day from Monday to Sabbath day, and promised me two Thou­sand pounds to let him in, to do that wicked Act in my Masters House. Whereupon one said, Did you think he would Pay you That Money? She answered, He bad me come to the Fleece Tavern; And ask for the Number Nine; God forbid I should be guilty of a Lye, now I am going to Eternity, I desire all here present to take warning, and let my downfall here in This World be Their Rising to Glory. I wholly Resign, and Rest upon the Lord Jesus Christ. I desire all of you not to spend the Lords Day idly and wickedly, as I have done, for it was Sabbath­breaking that was my first step to this Wickedness: I once more begg of you All, not to spend your time vainly, nor give way to wicked and profane Thoughts: I freely forgive All the World, and all my enemies. I earnestly beg of you all to spend your Time to the Honour and Glory of God. O Lord Receive my poor Soul.

Thus she continued sometimes speaking to the People, and sometimes speaking to God, in such kind of Ejaculations.

After the Ordnary had discharged his duty and gone out of the Cart, she inquired of the Sheriff, whether Dr. Martin Mi­nister of St. Saviour was among the Company; whereupon he was called, and a Lane being made through the Great Croud of [Page 28] Horses, he came unto her: And she desiring him to pray with her, he after some short disconrse, applyed himself in manner following; To which she returned the Answers here truely re­cited and annext; as will be attested both by the said Doctor, and many others that were Ear-witnesses of what passed, and took special observation of her words.

Dr. Martin said, Margaret! be wary, consider well what you say; there may be somewhat of reputation in continuing your charge against Mr. Satterthwait. You having charged him, I per­ceive you are resolved to dye in the charge that the world may not accuse you of a Lye. But believe me, it would be much for your advantage in a few Moments, to tell truth now, and acquit the Gentleman if he be innocent, and go not to the Judgment seat of Christ with a lye in your mouth.

Margaret.

It is no lye I tell; Jesus Christ is my Witness, that will be my Judge, John Satterthwait Tempted me to this fact for which I am to dye.

Dr. Martin.

Margeret! Do you believe what you say, that Jesus Christ will be your Judge?

Margaret.

I do believe it, and know I shall shortly appear before him.

Dr. Martin.

And dare you say again to me what you said but now, that Mr. John Satterthwait was the man that tempted you to this horrid fact; and you believe you shall appear at the Judgment seat of Christ, and give an account of what you have affirmed of him?

Margaret.

I know I shall his day appear before Christ, and I am accountable for no sin in charging him, for my charge against him is true, as I am a dying Woman.

Dr. Martin.

But may you not mistake the man? Do you speak this to the best of your knowledg only, or positively and certainly without mistake.

Margaret.

Sir, I saw John Satterthwait every day of the Week before. I saw him on Monday, on Tuesday, he perswaded me to consent, on Wednesday came to me, as also Thursday and Friday, to confirm me in it, and on Sa­turday he was with me, and then resolved upon the firing [Page 29] my honoured Masters House on Sunday; and accordingly on Sunday in the Afternoon towards Evening I let him in­to my Masters House: Oh! why should I accuse a person that is not guilty? I must now forthwith appear before God; Oh my sins! I desire my worthy Master to forgive me.

Doctor.

I do assure you Margaret, your Master and Mistress have forgiven you; and Margaret, here is Arthur Adams, which was one of the witnesses against you.

Margaret.

I freely forgive him and all men, and desire him and all men to forgive me, for God hath forgiven me.

Dr. Martin.

What assurance hast thou of Gods forgiveness?

Margaret.

I know in whom I have believed, I have had great Joys from the Lord, since Sentence passed upon me; blessed be God that ever I came into a Prison.

Doctor Martin speaking to the Two Men that suffered with her, said; Gentlemen, you that suffer with this poor Maid; I wish I could see that concernedness and affection; I would be glad to hear you express your selves something after this man­ner: Pray let us know whether it be well with you.

They answered, Sir, It is well, we have no doubt.

Doctor. Mart.

Margaret, ask that Man at your right-hand how it is with him, whether he feels any of those Comforts and Joys you speak of.

Margaret turning to Mr. Selby, said, How is it with you? look up to Jesus Christ. He answered, It is well.

Doctor Martin,

I wish you may say so an hour hence.

Margaret.

O Lord Jesus, receive my poor Soul, into thy Arms I commend my Spirit; Oh! the Transcendent Joys; I am not able to express the Joys I have had since I have been condemned.

Then Dr. Martin prayed with them most excellently and affectionately; after which she continued crying out; Oh the Glory! Oh the Glory! till the Executioner was going to pin the Hood down over her Face, she said, I, come as soon as you will, I care not how soon; but he not presently doing it, she spake again to the people, and said, I humbly thank all the peoples of God, all good people for their prayers to God for me; and said she, I have given an account in a Writing, which I hope will satisfie the World; for I take God to witness, that all that [Page 30] I have written in that Paper is all true; O Lord thou knowest I would not lye, I am coming to thee! Upon which, the under Sheriff and Officers made Inquiry for it, which was quickly carried down to the High Sheriff, who was so affected, that his Worship was pleased earnestly to desire a Copy thereof be­fore the same was Printed. But the Original is delivered into his Worships hands, as aforesaid, and a true Copy thereof is here before Printed: The Minister who is Ordnary being pre­sent, did justifie to the Sheriff, Sir Robert Hatton Knight, and many other worthy Persons there present; that he had read it before in Prison, when she desired him to subscribe it, that it might not be questioned whether it was hers after her Death or no.

When the Executioner was pulling down her Hood, to do his last Office; she put it up her self again, and said, Gentle­men, I have one thing more to say, I have seen a Paper that John Satterthwait hath put out in his vindication.

Dr. Martin.

Ah! Margaret, have you read that vindica­tion.

Margaret.

Yes Sir, Mr. Cole read it to me.

Dr. Martin.

Mr. Cole, did you read it to her?

Mr. Cole.

Yes Sir, I did read it to her.

Dr. Martin.

Well, what say you to it Margaret?

Margaret.

It is false, it is false, he hath added another sin to his great wickedness: I wish I may be the last that he may ruin in this World. I testifie before you all, now I am going to Eter­nity; that he is the very Man, and that that Paper is a wicked and false Paper.

And so her Hood being put down again, just as the Cart was Drawing away, the last words she was heard to pronounce were, Come, Lord Jesus, receive me.

Thus have we given the World a faithful account of this poor Wretches Crime and Behaviour, and what she declared and persisted in to the last; with the great Remorse she ex­pressed for all sin, and the mighty work of God upon her Soul, in the refreshing Comforts which she declared she had given in to her from the time of Condemnation, till the last [Page 31] moment of her Life. All which we leave to each Readers consideration and reflection, to Credit or Disbelieve her As­severations, and make such judgment thereof as he shall think fit. This Publication not being intended to cast any Re­flection or Scandal on the Gentleman, whom the Law hath Acquitted, much less upon the Honourable Court, or honest Jury, before and by whom he was Tryed, De non apparenti­bus & non existentibus eadem est ratio; secret things belong to the Omniscient Judge, his dreadful Tribunal will clear all perplexing difficulties, and make it appear which of their Protestations (horrible of necessity on one flde) were grounded upon Truth: But Earthly Magistrates cannot pene­trate the heart, but must proceed according to what overtly appears, and Legal Evidence.

However, we cannot but take notice, that since this poor Maid was Executed, there has been a false and malicious story published concerning her, in one of Nath. Thompsons scanda­lous Libels, falsly called THE TRUE DOMESTICK INTELLIGENCE. He having in that of Tuesday the 30th of March, this passage. Kingstone, March the 21. There was omitted in the Protestant Domestick Intelligence, in relating the last Words and Confession of Mary Clark (for so he falsty calls her) who was Executed for Fire­ing the House of Mr. De la Noy Dyer in Southwark; viz. That at her Execuion, there was a Fellow, who designed to Marry her under the Gallows (according to the ancient Lau­dable Custome) but she being [...] seem­ed unwilling, but when the Rope was about [...], she cryed, she was willing, and then the Fellows friends disswa­ded him from Marrying her; and so she lost her Husband and her Life together.’

Which lying story is both a Barbarous scandal to the dead, and an abuse to the living, there being nothing of it true: Nor the least ground or colour for such a suggestion, for as we know of no such Custome allowed by Law, that any Mans offering at a Place of Execution to Marry a Woman Condemned, shall save her; so there was no such offer or in­tention that ever was heard of in this Case, and so far was she [Page 32] from being in hopes of a Reprieve, that she neither expect­ed nor desired it. But by the subtle wording of this loud lye, it may be thought this Intelligencer from some of his great Acquaintance may have learnt a Jesuitical Equivoca­tion, and alleadge, that he does not relate it as Truth that really happened; but only says, that such a thing was left out of the Relation; because indeed there was no such mat­ter, and therefore had no reason to be put in. But notwith­standing that Evasion, all honest and good Men must detest such base practices of promoting lies and scandals; and espe­cially this News-monger might the rather forbear to do it on a person Executed, since he knows not how soon it may be his own turn, being at this instant in Custody charged with being privy to a Treasonable Conspiracy, as appears by his own shewing in that very Paper wherein this story is in­serted.

As for the Truth of the said Margaret Clarks Behaviour and Speeches before set forth in this Narrative, we can appeal (as to a great part thereof) to Justice Reading, and Justice Freeman, as also to Dr. Martin, and several other Ministers who visited her; particularly, as to her Deportment, and Speeches at Execution; the same are Attested by a great number of persons of good worth and credit, some of whose Names are as follow;

  • Nathaniel Gardiner [...].
  • Robert Beal,
  • William Symms,
  • John Peirce,
  • John Cole,
  • Samuel Adderley,
  • Edmund Farringdon,
  • William Nettlefield,
  • Mrs. Hill,
  • Rose Littleton,
  • Henry Glocester,
  • Francis Grainger.

With many more which might be added.

FINIS.

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